Agroclimatic zoning of western regions of Georgia

Abstract

Assessment and efficient use of agroclimatic resources is important for agroclimatic zoning in agriculture, as the growth and development of the agricultural crops and harvest mostly depend on the rational spatial distribution of the crops. When developing new areas, agrarian workers and farmers must consider the demands of crops for agroclimatic conditions what will improve their productivity. This will significantly increase their economic incomes and will contribute to the better provision of the population with the agricultural produce. Aiming at identifying the agroclimatic zones in the western regions of Georgia, based on the data of a 60-year- long meteorological observation, the agroclimatic resources of 6 regions (Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Guria, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi- Zemo Svaneti, Apkhazeti) were evaluated. The thermal regime during the vegetation period of agricu-ltural crops was evaluated by means of the sum of active temperatures (>10°C), which changes by ±300-400°C annually and more. The parameters of atmospheric precipitations (in warm and cold periods), frosts (the first and the last one), periods without frost were determined according to vertical zoning in the agroclimatic zones identified within the region. In order to avoid the negative impact of frosts, it is recommended to use physical and biological methods against it. The perspective agricultural crops and soil types in the identified agroclimatic zones were described. Based on the agroclimatic zones identified in each region, the agricultural crops will be distributed in a rational manner and the prospects of their growth and development and high yield will be thoroughly identified.